Survey Data Shows Impact of Adult Learning in London
New City Hall data shows how training is helping Londoners secure work, boost their earnings and secure social outcomes.
Arinola Edeh CBE, Principal of WAES and member of the Skills for Londoners Board said:
“At WAES we see the transformational impact of adult learning every day. From helping Londoners get the training they need to get a good job and improve their living standards, to helping businesses address the skills gaps holding them back, skills play an important role for people, communities and businesses across the capital.
“I’m delighted that this data once again highlights the significant impact of London’s Adult Education Budget, and it’s been great to work with City Hall on this pioneering survey.”
Arinola Edeh
The latest London Learner Survey data, published today, shows that over 81,000 learners got a job, progressed in work or went on to further learning last year with the support of the Adult Education Budget. Almost all Londoners taking a course saw positive social change, including boosts in confidence and wellbeing.
Adult learning is having a transformational impact on Londoners, communities and employers across the city
Summary of key findings
The London Learner Survey 2022-23 provides unprecedented insights for London and the Further Education sector. It focuses on adult learner’s outcomes, which can be divided into economic and social outcomes, as approved by the Mayor of London in the Skills Roadmap. Through the hard work of providers, IFF and the GLA our sample size is much larger this year and has enabled us to produced analysis at a much more detailed level.
The 2022-23 LLS shows that:
Following their course, 81% of learners were in employment or had started or were about to start further learning. In addition:
Nearly half (46%) of learners (equivalent to around 81,000 learners) experienced positive economic changes five to eight months after completing their course. More than half (59%) of these learners were from Black, Asian or Minority ethnic background (estimated at 48,000 learners). Additionally, we estimate that approximately:
- Nearly a quarter (24%) of out of work learners were supported into work, which is equivalent to 23,000 learners.
- More than 11,000 learners experienced an increase in their income following the course (20% of those in work).
- Learners who were in employment following their course were commonly working within Education, Healthcare and Hospitality, showing an alignment with London’s priority sectors and areas with skills shortages.
- 127,000 learners went onto or were about to start further study following their course – more than half of these (76,000) were studying lower level qualifications (Entry or Other Level).
The majority (94%) of learners experienced positive social changes (equivalent to around 185,000 learners). The social impact was across a range of metrics, and we estimate that approximately:
- 158,000 learners (80%) experienced an increase in their general wellbeing due to their course.
- 170,000 learners (87%) felt more confident due to their course.
- 152,000 learners (77%) met new people due to their course.
The LLS consists of two linked surveys of people participating in GLA-AEB learning:
- A baseline survey administered by learning providers when the learner starts their course.
- A follow-up survey, administered by IFF Research from approximately five to seven months after the end of learning.
A total of 100,000 baseline responses were completed in 2022/23 and over 12,000 follow up surveys.
This represents a 50% increase in the final sample compared to 21/22. Final data has been weighted to reflect the AEB population.
